Emails are being sent out!

Dear Jane Austen Letter Writing Society Members,
I am sorry for the delay in getting out the emails.  Everyone is happily matched and the emails are going out.  I should be finished by this evening, so please check your emails and make contact with your new Winter 2019 Pen Friend!

Yours,
Lady Pamela

Winter/Spring 2018 Pen Friend Exchange: 

Applications accepted:  Now (1/11/18) through Thursday, 1/25/18.  

Pen Friend match ups should be completed:1/31 or 2/1/18  Emails will start going out to participants by that date.

Basic Requirements:  

1. Basic command of the English language.

2. You must have read at least one of Jane Austen's novels.  This is a Literary Society and a Letter Writing Society.

3. You must be at least 18 years of age.  Contact me per email for exceptions to this rule.

• Important:  if you have been a member of the Society in the past, you must still sign up each exchange you want to be a participant.  

It is time for a new Winter/Spring Pen Friend Exchange.  This is where I personally select a pen friend for you based on your completed application.  The application (see the menu bar at the top of this page to access the form) allows me to  match you  according to your preferences.  This is not a perfect system, but I do try my best.

Directions:  1. Fill out application form (at the top of the page, menu bar) by cutting  and pasting  it into an email, 2. and then sent to me at :  JALWSociety@gmail.com  The deadline for applications is:  Thursday, 01/25/18.

I will be monitoring my email box :  JALWsociety@gmail.com  and begin processing the applications.    You might not get a response from me immediately, but I hope to start working on them this weekend.   If you have sent in an application since the last exchange, I will be notifying you  and double checking that you still want to participate. Also, due to my late husband's illness, all those that were on the waiting list after the fall/Winter exchange, you will also be notified, as I just never got to that list.   You will be notified of your pen friend  by email after the deadline, sometime around 02/01/18. It usally takes me about 2-3 days to get it all worked out.  :-)

I would ask that you only join the pen friend exchange if you truly will follow through on your commitment .  This means that you will write your pen friend, and usually this involves several letters over the course of  2-3 months.  To avoid "flakers", yes, JALWS is not immune to this,  I have had to start invoking a 4 letter minimum over the 4 month exchange time.  I believe this is reasonable and amounts to 1 letter a month.   It is very disappointing to those fulfilling their commitments  when their partner does not respond in kind.  

One final note.  I want you to know that the Jane Austen Letter Writing Society's mission is to promote thoughtful, meaningful communication through the handwritten letter .  Although I promote the elegant aspect of letter writing (I love vintage items connected to letter writing) , it is to by no means eliminate people who do not have access to stationery or other writing implements.  The emphasis should always be on the content of the letter.  So, if you possess the ability to write a good letter, you are more than welcome!  And if you feel like you are a bit rusty with your letter writing skills, then still consider  joining the society, to help improve your skills!

Any questions?  Please leave your comments below or email me directly at JALWSociety@gmail.com.

I look forward to a new Pen Friend Exchange!

Write Letters,

Write Often!

Lady Pamela

*Available In Shop*

To Stamp Or Not To Stamp

My new Jane Austen wax seal!

I purchased this wax seal  from the website: Stamptitude.

Mine was a custom order, but the process was relatively simple.

With my seal being a custom order, and that fact that this company is based in Hong Kong, it did take a few weeks to receive.  I was pleased with the packaging when it arrived...so elegant!  I got to work on making my Jane Austen Silhouette seal right away.  This seal takes a bit more wax than others, so my first attempts were rather poor.  But practice is definitely the key to success!

I am very pleased with the results!  Thank you Stamptitude!  I am sure that this wax seal will quickly become one of my favorites!

Write Letters,

Write Often,

Lady Pamela

Available in the shop...

Wax sticks...

Rose wax seal

Roll Call,Hurricanes, Jane Austen, and A Waiting List...

Waiting List and Roll Call!

Well, its time for a little chit chat now that I am FINALLY done with all the lovely match making I have been doing with the Fall Pen Friend Exchange!  Unfortunately it took me nearly twice as long as expected  because of the total number...70.  That means inputting 70 applications,  and many more emails.  By the time I am finished, I have usually sent you anywhere from  3-4 emails.  Another reason for the delay was the holiday weekend  which put me behind yet another 2 days.  But It is now done, so please check your email and make contact with your partner, and thank you one and all for your amazing patience!

Roll Call

Here is some information about WHO has participated this exchange.  We had the following countries represented.  Isn't it lovely to see that the world over appreciates the wit and humor of Jane Austen?  I find her canny insights into human nature transcends cultural barriers.  People are people, no matter your geographical situation, or station in life, and I think that this diversity of participation proves this line of thinking.

Canada

USA

Germany

Ireland

Northern Ireland

India

Japan

Portugal

Australia

United Kingdom

Italy

The Netherlands

Spain

FLORIDA PARTICIPANTS...

As I was sending out the emails the last couple of days, I noticed that we had quite a representation from Florida--5 to be exact.  I am praying that you are all safe.  And for those of you with a pen friend from Florida, please be patient as they may not have electricity  and possibly have lost much more because of   hurricane Irma.  Hopefully it won't be too long before Texas AND  Florida are restored to normalcy.

Waiting List!

I know that I have already announced the waiting list on Instagram, but I want anyone who stumbles onto this page for the first time to know that it is not too late.  I have started a waiting list which will probably be open until the end of the month.   Please refer to a previous Blog Post for all the information about how to apply to the Society.

I think that this will do for now.  I hope that everyone is doing well, and enjoying this day.

Write Letters

Write Often!

Lady Pamela

*New In The Shop!*

Beautifully  crafted wax seals, rose design!

Outgoing Vintage Pink and Gold Folio Mail

Outgoing Letter...

I recently decided to make a few folio book mailers.  This is the first one that has gone out...all the way to Finland!  I chose pink and gold, because it is so pretty.  I love the moss green velvet and coral rose charm.  

Here is my letter all tied up with string with a few vintage items. This letter has a wrapper made of a couple pages from Pride and Prejudice.

Here it is completely folded out to see.  There is a few items to share and a bag of tea behind the "Time for a Cup of Tea" card.

I usually put my letters in-between  one of the folds of the mailer, as my letters are a bit lengthy or are written on heavier paper  which do not fold up so flat.  This lovely letter was addressed and sent to Finland...unfortunately, it never arrived.  However, you never know, it could still make its way!  I had a letter addressed to Belgium and somehow it wound up in the Bahamas and then eventually to Belgium!!  You never know!

Write Letters

Write Often!

Lady Pamela

*New In Shop*

Sealing wax, with wicks and without.  Current colors shown.

Last Call for the Fall/Winter Pen Friend Exchange!

It's still not too late!  Tomorrow is the deadline for me to receive your completed application for the Fall/Winter Pen Friend Exchange. 

See the previous Blog Post for all the details of how you can get a literary, bibliophile , Jane Austen Lover, pen friend!  

Make Haste!

Make Haste!

Lady Pamela

*New In Shop*

Set of 4 unique Mail Tag Cards printed in the Jane Austen Font!

JALWS Fall Pen Friend Sign Ups Now....

Fall Pen Friend Exchange: 

Applications accepted:  Now (8/16/17) through Wednesday August 30th.  

Pen Friend match ups should be completed:  by Wednesday 9/6  Emails will start going out to participants by that date.

Basic Requirements:  

1. Basic command of the English language.

2. You must have read at least one of Jane       Austen's novels.  This is a Literary Society and a Letter Writing Society.

3. You must be at least 18 years of age.  Contact me per email for exceptions to this rule.

• Important:  if you have been a member of the Society in the past, you must still sign up each exchange you want to be a participant.  

It is time for a new FALL Pen Friend Exchange.  This is where I personally select a pen friend for you based on your completed application.  The application (see the menu bar at the top of this page to access the form) allows me to  match you  according to your preferences.  This is not a perfect system, but I do try my best.

Directions:  1. Fill out application form (at the top of the page, menu bar) by cutting  and pasting  it into an email, 2. and then sent to me at :  JALWSociety@gmail.com  The deadline for applications is:  Wednesday, August 30th , 2017

I will be monitoring my email box :  JALWsociety@gmail.com  and begin processing the applications.    You might not get a response from me immediately, but I hope to start working on them this weekend.   If you have sent in an application since the last exchange, I will be notifying you  and double checking that you still want to participate.  You will be notified of your pen friend  by email after the deadline, sometime around September 6th. .  It usually takes me about 2-3 days to get it all worked out.  :-)

I would ask that you only join the pen friend exchange if you truly will follow through on your commitment .  This means that you will write your pen friend, and usually this involves several letters over the course of  2-3 months.  To avoid "flakers", yes, JALWS is not immune to this,  I have had to start invoking a 4 letter minimum over the 4 month exchange time.  I believe this is reasonable and amounts to 1 letter a month.   It is very disappointing to those fulfilling their commitments  when their partner does not respond in kind.  

One final note.  I want you to know that the Jane Austen Letter Writing Society's mission is to promote thoughtful, meaningful communication through the handwritten letter .  Although I promote the elegant aspect of letter writing (I love vintage items connected to letter writing) , it is to by no means eliminate people who do not have access to stationery or other writing implements.  The emphasis should always be on the content of the letter.  So, if you possess the ability to write a good letter, you are more than welcome!  And if you feel like you are a bit rusty with your letter writing skills, then still consider  joining the society, to help improve your skills!

Any questions?  Please leave your comments below or email me directly at JALWSociety@gmail.com.

I look forward to a new Pen Friend Exchange!

Write Letters,

Write Often!

Lady Pamela

*Available In Shop*

Complete Jane Austen Letter Writing Society Kit

The Making Of Jane Austen Mail!

Some Recent Outgoing 

Jane Austen Mail

I've been enjoying making envelopes and sealing them with my new Jane Austen silhouette brass seal!   It takes quite  a bit of wax for this rather large seal.  But definitely worth it!

What ideas  do you have  for including in your Austen mail to make it "Austen Happy Mail"?  Here are a few I ideas I use: 

1.  a package of flower seeds

2.  a card with your mail tag questions

3.  stickers

4.  Die cuts, tags, fun things! 

5.  Tea, chocolate

Envelopes can be made using paper bought at any craft store, I use 12 X 12 paper and an envelope template.  But here pictured, the envelope is made from a damask kraft bag, tied with a bit of twine.  

These can be purchased here!

Here are some lovely letters that have been circulating around the Jane Austen Letter Writing Society on social media (Instagram).  So many charming letters!   If you would like to have your mail featured ,post them on  IG:   #Janeaustenletterwritingsociety .  I will post as many as possible!

Several of you may have corresponded with Lady Heather...she sends lovely mail!  And look at her Jane Austen postage!!!  I definitely needed  some of this in my life, so I put an order in for my own customized stamps!  You can get yours here   Thanks Lady Heather!

Several new posts are in the works, so check back soon!

Write Letters

Write Often,

Lady Pamela

New Etsy Store For All Your Jane Austen Stationery Needs!

Hurry on over to my Instagram to enter!

Announcing the Grand Opening of my new ETSY store:  JaneAustenMissives!!  I am having a nice give away on my intstagram account: Janeaustenletterwritingsociety

I am offering a Jane Austen Mini Kit, and a 4 sticker set of  Jane Austen Stickers.   Just go to my instagram account and follow the directions from yesterday's post.   

I want to also give a huge shout out to Miss Anne at Heart Sealed Art and Design for her amazing logo design and artistic  touch to my beautiful Etsy store.  Please go to Anne if you need any log or custom art design work!

So, hurry on over to my Instagram...and win some lovely stationery items for your Jane Austen Needs!

Write Letters

Write Often,

Lady Pamela

Etsy:  JaneAustenMissives

Jane Austen Letter Writing Society Give Away!

I wanted to let everyone know that I have a store wide sale, 20% off everything in the store!

Jane Austen Kit

This sale includes all the Jane Austen Letter Writing kits and letter writing accessories!  This is the Jane Austen Letter Writing Society Kit, it is jammed packed ...bursting at the seams with all sorts of paper goodness.  It includes Jane Austen stickers, wax, wax seal....and more!  Here is a quick link!  Jane Austen Kit

Jane Austen Mini Kit

Would you like to win this Jane Austen Mini kit?  This drawing is happening on my instagram account:  JaneAustenLetterWritingSociety  The details of the giveaway are there.  

Jane Austen Mail Tag Cards

This is also in the shop...the Jane Austen Letter Writing Society exclusive mail tag cards!

Jane Austen Variety Stickers

Are you running low on your favorite Jane Austen themed stickers?

These and so much more!  Take advantage of my "Spring Fling " sale going on NOW!

Incoming Beautiful Mail....

Lovely Mail

I've had such a happy mail box!  And such generosity....I am just overwhelmed.  

This is a beautiful letter from Lady Anna.  She sent a nice long letter, with a swatch of fabric on one of the back pages that she plans to use in a refurbishing project.  It reminded me of the long ago days when women used to send fabric swatches from quilting projects!  And look  at that beautiful postcard of Holkham Hall in Norfolk,  England!

This tea!  I never knew that Downton Abbey tea existed!  Thank you for introducing me to it, Lady Anna.

My dear Lady Nina Ruth and her crafty, jewelry making ways.  She has spoiled me!

I am in the process of responding to all of these lovely letters.  Hoping things are going well with your pen friend partner and  just think, a new round of sign ups will begin in May!  

Write Letters,

Write Often,

Lady Pamela

Outgoing Austen Mail!

I've Been Busy....

Here is some of my recent Outgoing Austen Mail.  I am very behind on my letter writing, but I am slowly getting caught up.  Once I get started, I can hardly stop, it is so much fun!  I love every aspect of it, from the reading of YOUR letter , from  selecting/or making my stationery, penning a response, to making a lovely envelope...I love it all.

I even decided, during our snow storm, to burn the midnight oil.  It was so cozy sitting at my desk while snow was falling softly outside.  I love this desk, it is one of 5 that we have in our home.  But this is my favorite one.  Writing by candlelight is one of the most relaxing activities one can do.  Give it a try.

Here is a long overdue letter to Lady Anna.  She has been so patient and is such  a lovely correspondent.
It is going across  the pond to the great UK!

Tied with twine, sealed with wax.    I put these letters into clear cello bags.

This letter has a page from Pride and Prejudice...Nina, see if you can figure WHY I chose this particular scene out of P&P for you!  (Think of it as a bit of a riddle, but it is based on something you revealed to me in your last letter...about a Mr. Darcy!)

Lady Anna, Lady Alaina, Lady Nina, and Lady Virginia....these are on their way to your mail boxes.

If you have written me, I will be working on a response to you as well.

Write Letter ,

Write Often.

Lady Pamela

Winter Pen Friend Sign Ups Happening NOW!

Customized  Literary Pen Friends...

It IS possible!!!

It is time for the WINTER  Pen Friend Exchange!  This is where I personally select a pen friend for you based on your completed application.  The application (see the menu bar at the top of this page to access the form) allows me to match you according to your preferences.  This is not a perfect system, but I do try my best.

If you have participated in the Pen Friend Exchange before, please be so kind as to send me your application again, it just makes it easier for me.  

  

Directions:  1. Fill out  the "application form" (at the top of the page, menu bar) --don't forget to take the "Which Jane Austen Heroine  Are You?" quiz which is located in the side bar of this blog. This will help you fill out the application form, question #9.  2.Then  copy the completed application and paste it into an email. Send the completed application form to me at :  JALWSociety@gmail.com.  The deadline for applications is:  January 16th, 2016.

I will be monitoring my email box :  JALWsociety@gmail.com  and begin processing the applications.    You might not get a response from me immediately, but I hope to start working on them this week.    You will be notified of your pen friend after the January deadline.  It usually takes me close to a week to get it all worked out.  :-).  I do this the old fashioned way...someday I'll have to do a blog post on this process, as I really amaze myself that it all works out so well.  Try to be as specific about yourself as possible in the application...this allows me to better match you, but also remember that we all must be flexible too.  Many of you want international pen friends, but sometimes I run short of those applicants.  If I run into a real problem, I will usually notify you per email.

  

IMPORTANT!!!!

  

There are a couple of new questions on the Pen Friend Application Form.  I would like to highlight question # 12 :  Do you enjoy writing letters, and would you be willing to commit to writing a Pen Friend over the next 4 months?  ______________________________

As in any letter writing society, there is an element of commitment involved.  I do understand that life events happen.  I do understand that we sometimes over commit and  then need to pull out of commitments.  So, all that being said, I would like for you to understand your commitment before sending in your application.  I do not want this to become burdensome  to anyone, however, if someone you agree to write, sends you a letter, please be courteous enough to reply.  I would  also like to be so bold as to say, over the course of 4 months, let's try to send at least 1 letter a month over this Pen Friend exchange.  I really do not think that this is too much, do you ?   So, if you don't think your schedule will allow you to send  at least 1 letter a month, please refrain from joining the society  at this point.  Your schedule may free up in the future, and we would be more than happy to have you join then.  Of course, you may send as MANY letters as you like , I am just trying to establish a minimum, so as not to disappoint our members.  After you are matched with your customized Pen Friend, you will receive their email address, at this point it would be good to establish your expectations with your pen friend.  If for any reason you run into a life emergency and must withdraw from the Society, please notify your Pen Friend, AND myself as soon as possible.  I do keep a waiting list running to help in these situations.  

  

One final note, I want you to know that the Jane Austen Letter Writing Society's mission is to promote thoughtful, meaningful communication through the handwritten letter .  Although I promote the elegant aspect of letter writing (I love vintage items connected to letter writing) , it is to by no means eliminate people who do not have access to stationery or other writing implements.  The emphasis should always be on the content of the letter.  So, if you possess the ability to write a good letter, and love to discuss literary classics (particularly Jane Austen!), you are more than welcome!  If you feel like you are a bit rusty with your letter writing skills,  still consider  joining the society, to help improve your skills!

Any questions?  Please leave your comments below or email me directly at JALWSociety@gmail.com.

Visit my Etsy Store for  my Jane Austen themed letter Writing kits, and other Jane Austen themed snail mail supplies!

I look forward to a new Pen Friend Exchange!

Lady Pamela